Report for questioning or face consequences — NAPTIP issues ultimatum to Speed Darlington

Abdullateef Fowewe

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has responded to singer Speed Darlington’s attempt to delay his scheduled appearance before the agency, stressing the seriousness of the case against him.

Dailyeconomy reported that Darlington, during a recent Instagram live session, admitted to sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl at a hotel.

However, the Director of Information and Communications Technology, NAPTIP, Hakeem Lawal, in a statement confirmed it sent an official summons on May 28, 2025, asking Darlington to report for questioning on Friday May 30.

Darlington, regardless, requested a reschedule, citing prior engagements and suggesting June 26 2025, instead.

Rejecting the proposed date, NAPTIP emphasised that its invitation had allowed ample time for preparation and stated that the allegations are of national importance and require urgent attention.

The agency in a recent statement shared on its X (formally Twitter) account said, “The attention of the Management of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has been drawn to your response through our social media handle on the above subject matter.

“In your response, you said, ‘Hello, I will not be able to come in today. This is very sudden and urgent for me. I already have commitments and responsibilities. I suggest you should reschedule to next month, June 26. I will be in Abuja that day’.

“The Agency wishes to state that the invitation was sent to you on Wednesday, 28th May, 2025, giving you sufficient time to prepare and appear as indicated. Moreover, the issue at hand is a matter of urgent National importance that requires an urgent response.

“As such, NAPTIP will not be able to work with your schedule as stated in your response. However, you are further given till Monday, 2nd June 2025 at 1 pm, to appear in person at the NAPTIP’s Headquarters: 2028, Dalaba Crescent, Wuse Zone 5, FCT, Abuja, for the interview.

“Please, as stated in our earlier correspondence, your cooperation is very critical in this matter.”